Champions League final goal in 2014 was like losing virginity, says Sergio Ramos

Madrid: Hero of Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph two years ago, defender Sergio Ramos compared his first final experience to losing his virginity ahead Saturday’s clash with Atletico Madrid in a rematch of the 2014 final. Ramos broke Atletico’s hearts with his stoppage time equaliser to deny Diego Simeone’s men a first ever European Cup before a rampant Real ran out 4-1 winners after extra-time. “The first time is like when you make love, you always remember it, but after it is true you can improve,” said the Spanish international on Tuesday. [caption id=“attachment_2797330” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid scoring their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final. Getty[/caption] “The first one has a special taste because I was the protagonist with a great goal, but I am optimistic and ambitious. “I like to turn the page and continue filling my honours list. Hopefully I’ll have the good fortune to lift (the Champions League) again.” Atletico have bounced back from the blow at Lisbon with just one defeat in the subsequent 10 Madrid derbies since. However, that also saw Real get the upper hand in last season’s Champions League quarter-final tie between the two as another late strike from Javier Hernandez sent Los Blancos into the last four. “We are very clear in the ideas we have, in what we want to do and how to approach this game,” added Ramos. “We know the opponent very well. We know the team we will have in front of us and, unless perhaps they have changed their style and philosophy, it is Atletico Madrid. “We know it will be a very competitive, hard game against a side that plays with a lot of intensity and character.”